Democrats out-polling GOP in Pueblo recall

When the Pueblo Freedom and Rights committee turned in petitions in June with 12,600 voter signatures, the group was pleased that 22 percent of those came from Democrats who were apparently willing to recall fellow-Democratic state Sen. Angela Giron of Pueblo.
Not surprisingly, most of the...

When the Pueblo Freedom and Rights committee turned in petitions in June with 12,600 voter signatures, the group was pleased that 22 percent of those came from Democrats who were apparently willing to recall fellow-Democratic state Sen. Angela Giron of Pueblo.

+ captionColorado Senator Angela Giron, D-Pueblo, speaks at a news conference about the attempt to recall her at the Colorado Democratic Headquarters in Denver, on Monday June 10, 2013. She is the second Colorado Democrat who supported gun control measures this year who could be subject to a recall election. Gun-rights activists in Pueblo turned in signatures Monday for a recall election for Sen. Angela Giron. (AP Photo/Ed Andrieski)

Not surprisingly, most of the signatures - 51 percent - came from Republicans with the rest from independents.

As the actual recall election goes into its seventh day Sunday, it's Democrats - many of whom are likely Giron supporters - who continue to hold a sizable lead in voting.

Friday morning, Pueblo County election officials said 5,887 Democrats had voted during the week compared with 3,314 Republicans and 2,054 independents.

That gives Democrats nearly a 2-to-1 margin over Republicans.

It's no secret and Giron campaign staff members and recall supporters say that turnout will be key to whether Giron holds her Senate seat after Tuesday. There are 82,000 registered voters in Giron's district - 48 percent Democrats, 23 percent Republicans, 29 percent independents.

For Giron, the key is holding Democratic voters and her share of the independents who supported her three years ago. For the recall committee, their goal is just the opposite.

"We're probably going to be knocking on doors, getting out to Pueblo West, and making sure people have voted," said Victor Head, an organizer of the recall committee. "People honk their horns and like to tell me they signed our petitions, but I'm surprised how many haven't voted."

Jennie Peek-Dunstone, manager of the Pueblo United for Angela Committee, had similarly low-key but voter-intensive plans. A Pueblo low-rider car club was going to help get Giron supporters to the polls over the weekend.

"And (Colorado) Lieutenant Governor Joe Garcia will be here on Monday to cast his vote," she said.

All 10 county polling places will be open this weekend, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., as voting continues.